2015-10-15 - CIA Whistleblower Sterling News Conference

Holly Sterling, wife of imprisoned CIA whistleblower Jeffrey Sterling, plus whistleblowers from government agencies discuss government abuse of first amendment guarantees and jailing of whistleblowers at a press conference held at the National Press Club, Washington, DC, October 15, 2015.

"State of War" by James Risen occupies the table of the news conference.

Press Club President John Hughes of Bloomberg News introduces the news conference underscoring in his remarks the club's commitment to press freedom.

Normon Solomon, coordinator of Expose Facts delivers opening remarks.

Thomas Drake warned that the National Security structure of the United States government is working to un-amend the First Amendment and that the lack of ability to exercise the five freedoms guaranteed within it will erode our system of government.

Drake: Sources are taking brunt. Spies don’t go to the press - they go to other spies. #pardonforjeffrey

Holly Sterling, Wife of Jeffrey Sterling describes ordeal of seeing husband jailed. At times, Mrs. Sterling became emotional while detailing the arrest by FBI agents and incarceration in Virginia on January 6, 2011. Presiding district court judge, Leonie Brinkema refused to allow Jeffrey to live at home during this process and he was forced to remain in Virginia or return to jail. Sterling was given drug screens though no history of drug abuse. In a catch 22, Sterling was required to seek employment as a condition of his release yet no one would hire him because of his legal situation. Ray McGovern later referred to actions such as this as a tactic of the Department of Vindictive Retribution.

“For over ten and one half years, the government has come down on him because he had the audacity to stand up for his rights as a human being.” Holly Sterling